The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is committed to providing digital access to all in Mecklenburg County and is offering 20,000 refurbished laptops for free to eligible adults.
The laptops come pre-loaded with productivity and education applications, as well as all the necessary hardware for set-up.
The laptops use a Linux operating system with open-source software, which is compatible with many Windows programs like LibreOffice, which can read, create, and edit Microsoft Office documents. However, some programs that are available exclusively on Windows may not have a Linux equivalent.
The laptops do not come with internet service, but they have the ability to connect to WiFi. As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the laptops have on-device internet filtration software installed.